The Hebrew word “mercaz” (מרכז) means center — and that’s exactly what Mercaz Solel is: a center for Jewish learning and living. Mercaz Solel is rooted in heritage, driven by curiosity, and united by traditions. Here, learners of all ages grow in wisdom, identity, and community.
With joy woven into every lesson, we inspire each soul to connect deeply, shaping generations to live their Judaism with simcha, purpose, and pride. Every student is invited to explore their unique Jewish story with confidence, curiosity, and a deep sense of belonging.
At Temple Solel, we strive to create an inclusive community where everyone is valued. We work closely with families to ensure all individuals can participate in our programs, from education to social events. Our approach focuses on flexibility, empathy, and open communication to meet diverse needs. Learn more Here!
Kibbutz Katan
Grades K - 2
Kibbutz Katan – קִבּוּץ קָטָן: our “little kibbutz” is all about joyful collaboration and early Jewish discovery. Through story, song, and play, students explore Jewish life with Alef-Bet Yoga, Hebrew Through Movement, Music to the Max, joyful Tefilah, and sessions with our Shinshinit, Ori. It’s the perfect start to a strong Jewish journey.
Midrasha
Grades 3 - 6
Midrasha – מדרשה: is a place of deep Jewish learning, where curiosity and tradition go hand in hand. This is where core skills are sharpened: students dive into decoding Hebrew, Jewish holidays, history, and Israel. Rooted in community and tradition, Midrasha builds confident learners ready for the next step.
Netiv
Grades 7 - 12
Netiv – נתיב means “path,” and this program leads teens through their evolving Jewish journey. From Club 7 B’nei Mitzvah prep to 12th grade Talmud with Rabbi Berk, teens grow through identity exploration, deep discussions, and connection with peers and mentors who guide the way forward.
What Happens at Mercaz Solel?
Kibbutz Katan | קִבּוּץ קָטָן
Grades K - 2
Kibbutz Katan is our warm and nurturing entry point into Jewish learning, where our youngest students experience the joy of community and tradition through engaging, hands-on activities. The day begins with a music-filled asefah assembly and a “Good Morning Ritual” to set the tone. Students dive into foundational Judaica lessons, exploring Jewish stories, values, symbols, and rituals in a developmentally appropriate way.
Hebrew learning happens through joyful movement and song: Hebrew Through Movement with Debby, “Olam Shel Ori” with our Israeli Shinshinit, and “Music to the Max”. Tefilah is an interactive experience blending song, prayer, and spirit. Creative Projects at the end of the day give students a chance to express their learning through art, drama, and play. Kibbutz Katan is all about planting seeds of Jewish identity with intention and heart
Midrasha | מדרשה
Grades 3 - 6
Midrasha builds on the strong foundations developed in K-2 and lays the groundwork for continued learning and engagement. The day begins with a “Vibe Check” to ground the community, followed by Hard Core Hebrew: an intensive yet fun approach to decoding Hebrew through games, prayer, and practice.
Students engage in rich, grade-specific Judaica learning—whether diving into holidays in Grade 3, exploring Israel in Grade 4, uncovering ancient prophets and modern heroes in Grade 5, or walking through all of Jewish history in Grade 6. Each week, students join Cantor Tiep in the Sanctuary for meaningful Tefilah, building their comfort with communal prayer and sacred space.
Midrasha is designed to be rigorous, relevant, and joyful—fostering a strong Jewish foundation while encouraging students to ask questions, connect with tradition, and explore their personal Jewish stories.
Netiv | נתיב
Grade 7
Club 7 is a unique 7th grade experience where students and families learn, serve, and grow together. Through Shabbat sessions, mitzvah projects, and hands-on Torah and prayer practice, families build strong connections with each other and our clergy. Led by Rabbi Berk and Cantor Tiep, Club 7 brings the B’nei Mitzvah journey to life with joy, depth, and lasting community. Learn More.
Grade 8
In 8th grade, students meet regularly with Seth, our dynamic Youth Advisor and Camp Simcha Director, to explore Jewish identity, values, and community through open conversation, current events, and real-life applications. This space encourages students to engage with Judaism in a personal and meaingful way by asking questions, exploring Jewish traditions, and discovering how Jewish life can enrich their own experiences.
Grades 9 & 10: Real Talk with Cantor Tiep
With the Talmud as our model—where every voice matters—this class dives into the questions that matter most to teens today. Led by Cantor Tiep, students explore hot topics like sports ethics, medicine, current events, the digital world, food, Israel, and more. Each week brings a new discussion (or a continuation if it’s too good to drop), all rooted in Jewish values and debate. The focus: building Jewish identity, fostering community, and learning to listen, support, and grow through diverse perspectives.
Grades 11 & 12: The Art of Living with Rabbi Berk
What makes a life meaningful? How do we argue with respect, build lasting friendships, recover from hurt, and stay true to ourselves while connecting deeply with others? In this intimate cohort with Rabbi Berk, 11th and 12th graders explore timeless Jewish wisdom—rooted in Talmud and centuries of learning—to navigate modern relationships and life’s biggest questions. It’s all about real conversation, deep reflection, and building a foundation for a life of intention and connection.
Girls Grades 7 - 12: Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh is more than a class—it’s a community. For over a decade at Temple Solel, this monthly gathering has offered female-identifying teens a safe, meaningful space to explore life’s complexities through a Jewish lens. Together, we talk honestly about friendship, body image, stress, family, and more, all while building deep connections and grounded confidence. Guided by a caring Jewish mentor, this experience nurtures identity, resilience, and joy in growing up Jewish—together.
Religious & Hebrew School
When families visit our Religious and Hebrew School program, they are drawn into the joyful ways our students are engaged in Jewish living and learning! Our team of educators develop creative, sensory, and fun activities that meet students’ diverse needs. We incorporate art, movement, music, drama, cooking, field trips, and social action projects. Camp Simcha youth events during the school year bridge our successful programs. Our students develop life-long friendships and are excited to stay engaged in our teen programming.
Our grades K-6 program includes learning to read and understand blessings and prayers in Hebrew, relating to morals in our Torah stories, singing prayers and songs with Cantor Tiep, as well as celebrating Jewish holidays with Rabbi Berk, their families, and our Solel community. We offer opportunities for parents to connect, support one another, and experience what their children are learning.
Our teachers encourage students to ask questions and share ideas, as they explore and strengthen their Jewish identities. We apply Jewish values to create a caring community, where everyone feels at home and is inspired to be the best version of themselves.
- Grades K-2
- Our K-2 students make new friends as they are actively engaged in exploring Jewish values and traditions through a variety of modalities. Our program includes learning Hebrew letters through interactive activities, including Hebrew through Movement and alef-bet yoga! Students, teachers, and teen aides get to know one another, as they share their personal connections to Torah stories and prayers. Our K-2 teachers lead enrichment activities, such as drama, nature, and Israeli dancing. We sing songs with Cantor Tiep, make Jewish dishes, munch on challah, create Jewish ritual objects, and participate in exciting holiday programs.
- Grades 3-6
- Our dynamic, relevant curriculum includes new topics in each grade, such as inspiring Jewish leaders, inclusive life cycle rituals, world Jewry, Israel, and more. Our teachers and teen aides utilize a variety of teaching strategies to build students’ proficiency in reading Hebrew and prayers, and students sing and lead these prayers during T’filah (Prayer) time with Cantor Tiep. Through conversations about our Torah stories, holiday traditions, and prayers, students learn a variety of ways to think about God, godliness, and how we can live in holy ways. Creating beautiful Jewish ritual objects brings the learning home. Grades 3-6 also enjoy participating in fun activities through our chugim (electives) program to build friendships across the grades.
- Grades 5-6: - HEBREW PRAYER LAB
- In our Hebrew Prayer Lab, students learn to read and chant prayers in small groups to receive individualized support from teachers and teen aides. Through creative activities, students experience how prayer can enrich their daily lives. Students build on their learning in Hebrew Prayer Lab during their b’nei mitzvah training. Hebrew Prayer Lab occurs on Sundays directly after Religious & Hebrew School and includes a snack for all students. Tov m’od (very good)!
- Additionally:
- Special holiday and family-oriented community experiences throughout the year (e.g. Sukkah building, Chanukah Fest, Purim Carnival, Passover Fest, and more!).
- After School Childcare
- Childcare (supervised play at the Temple) is available from 11:30AM to 12:30PM for grades K-4 students for an additional fee. Sign up for after school childcare is part of Religious & Hebrew School registration.
Financial Assistance
Limited assistance is available for families with demonstrable financial need — and a strong desire for and commitment to our offerings. We are happy to have a confidential conversation with you about how we can help in financially strained circumstances. Please note: our financial aid packages intend to accommodate a situation in which engagement at Temple Solel is a top priority for families and children throughout our entire Religious School and Teen Journey experience.
For more information, please call our office at (760) 436-0654.